Gamescom 2022: This has the return of the Cologne trade fair in store for fans

Gamescom is to private visitors what E3 is to the trade press. Covering an area of ​​over 200,000 square meters, the fair gathers over 300,000 visitors in the Cologne exhibition halls and brings them up close to the latest games. Exhibitors such as Bandai Namco, Microsoft, THQ Nordic or Ubisoft and other developers or publishers present the forthcoming game releases, which can often be played here by patient fans. So also in 2022. Well, at least almost.

Unfortunately, due to the corona pandemic, Gamescom had to be canceled or held digitally in the last two years. During this time, many publishers seem to have taken a liking to the virtual presence. Sony increasingly relied on its “State of Play” announcements, Ubisoft regularly presented news about its titles and Nintendo also tried out new digital formats. That could be one of the reasons why so many well-known publishers are doing without Gamescom this year. Nintendo, Sony, Activision and 2K are just a few examples of companies staying away from the fair.

Nevertheless, the exhibition halls are likely to be full to bursting this year. After all, the following big names (among others) will be represented with their own stands:

Gamescom 2022, just like last year’s digital edition, will be heralded with the “Opening Night Live” (short: ONL). Hosted by “The Game Awards” father Geoff Keighley, this stage show promises big reveals, red-hot information and exciting shows such as interviews or musical performances.

We’re excited to see what surprises Keighley has in store this coming Tuesday night, August 23rd.

Anyone who travels to the cathedral city personally can of course visit the arena physically again this year. Around 130 exhibitors from 33 countries have already announced their presence and will be presenting well-known and completely new projects.

There should definitely be something for everyone here. So don’t forget to visit the smaller booths away from the big publishers.

Strolling through the halls and queuing for the latest blockbusters is of course the core of Gamescom. You can expect impressive and imaginative ones superstructures and stands.

But what would Gamescom be without souvenirs and merch? This year, Hall Five offers heaps on two floors merchandise and items related to the fair itself or the pop culture brands presented there. Exhibitors like Panini also have reading material ready.

You will find it opposite in hall 10 the Cosplay Village. All kinds of costumed fans wander through the aisles in the roles of their heroes. YouTube presents numerous shows and events here. In addition, workshops and other exciting panels will be offered – the traditional cosplay competition will of course not be missing this year either.

In the Indoor area there are a few other activities that visitors to Gamescom 2022 can take part in. Among other things, the signing and retro area as well as a “laser area” and a rest area for “⁠Family & Friends” have been announced.

On the Gamescom campus colleges, universities and employers show their offers to the interested public.

Since gamers are not couch potatoes, the outdoor area a lot offered. In addition to the often completely overpriced food stalls, fans can look forward to the well-known beach volleyball courts and chill areas again in 2022.

In addition, from August 26th to 28th, the Gamescom Festival. At the end of the fair, artists such as Zoe Wees, Elif, Schmyt or the Lumpenpack gather on the stage at Hohenzollernring and Rudolfplatz and deliver a festival atmosphere for free. If you are still looking for a cheap place to stay, you should drop by the Gamescom Camp.